Wild goats and rabbits cause damage in Alicudi, containment plan underway

Last Updated: September 20, 2023

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Alicudi, a small island in the Aeolian archipelago, currently has a population of 100 residents and an estimated 1,000 wild goats and rabbits. The region is concerned about the damages caused by these animals and has planned a monitoring and containment program. The regional agriculture department will present the results of a census conducted by the company Dream Italia at a meeting in Lipari on September 26th. The project has cost 50,000 euros. Initially, it was believed that there were around 200 wild goats on the island, but locals claim the number is much higher, potentially reaching up to 1,000 goats and rabbits. These animals have caused inconvenience and damage to residents and tourists by entering gardens and orchards. The problem originated from the abandonment of domestic goats on the island about twenty years ago. Management interventions are necessary to reduce the impact of this population on the natural rock walls of the island.